A Year End Note.

It's always an amazing time of year.
Social media is flooded with well wished, and large outlandish statements like "this is my year".

New Years has always been a very sobering time for me. It's such a special time to look back over the past 12 months, and take stalk of the high's and low's of the year, but more importantly, to thank God for each of those- the good, the bad and the ugly.

This year has had it's share of ups and down. The low's were really low, and the highs were incredible! Throughout all of this i've learned a lesson I seem to learn over and over again, but for some reason, this year it's resonated with me and I'm excited to bring a new outlook with me into the coming year.

What i'm most consumed by as I close this year, is the people who have come into, and out of my life. I've always believed that people come into your life for a reason or a season. I consider myself extremely blessed to have some amazing people in my life who love me, laugh with me, encourage me, uplift me, and even help me get into some mischief!

From amazing conversations, bottomless drinks out, travel, road trips, summer nights, laughs and inside jokes I look back and smile at the great things that have happened. Truthfully tho, i'm also a little conflicted when I consider those who I know will not be part of my life coming into the New Year. I spent the better part of the summer doing some serious soul searching. I had somehow lost track of what was important to me, and was trying to please everyone and live up to the expectation that everyone had of me.

People speaking ill of me, and bringing their toxicity into my life, really brought me down. Once I unplugged and took a step back, I was again filled with so much joy at those who had stood the test of time in my life, but also saddened by those I thought would- but didn't.

People.
I've always been a people person. I love people! I love connecting with people, I love learning about them, making memories with them and growing a meaningful relationship with people. But at the same time, I also hate people! I hate that people have the ability to cause so much pain and suffering in my life. I hate that people can be such idiots. I hate that people seem to have lost their authenticity and always seem to take the easy way out.

Being a people person has also meant being a people pleaser.
Being the life of the party.
Always appearing to have it all together.
Never wanting to bother anyone with any "heavy" matters.

This year however, I've learned to lower that expectation of myself.
I haven't been hard on myself and have embraced that I, like everyone else have an array of emotions, all of which are valid, wether they are validated by others or not.


It's ok if people want to talk smack about me.
It's ok if those who by all accounts should be more involved in my life, aren't.
It's ok if some days I don't want to be social or play nice.
It's ok if I decide that certain people aren't worth my time.
It's ok to walk away.

Some amazing lessons I've learned and have since seen it's powerful effects this year -  is the power of love & the power of forgiveness. I've learned that if I wait around for someone to apologize for the hurt they've caused me, I'm only hurting myself. Forgiving someone, not because they deserve forgiveness, but because I deserve peace. Loving those who are hard to love, not because they are deserving of that love, but because I want to show love in a tangible way. Loving myself in a way that may seem selfish to other people. Above all, acknowledging that peoples opinions of me, are not a representation of me, but of them.

I am wonderfully and fearfully made!

As I close the chapter on 2015, the preface of 2016 is "be united"
I'm making it my motto of 2016 to have a wholistic approach to love.
Loving others, Loving God, Loving Myself, Loving those who have wronged me, Loving the adventure of life, and Loving the unknown. I choose to stand united to those who have stood beside me and helped shape me into the man I am today. I choose happiness, especially when it's one of "those" days. I will love others. I will treat people with respect, even if they don't deserve it. Why? Because I'm a lover, not a fighter.

To those I haven't shown love to this past year, I'm sorry.
To the new friends i've made this year, and long time friends, get ready for love fest 2016!

So as I push publish and send this blog into cyberspace, I pray good wishes and happiness to whoever reads this. Would you feel you are loved, and I challenge you to love others more this coming year. As I leave my jaded experiences behind me, I encourage you to do the same; don't let your past hurts stifle your potential to give and receive love. Choose happiness. Make this "your year"

Every next level of life, will demand a different you.
Happy New Year.
So long 2015- it's been real, it's been nice, and it's been real nice.


David Ibrahim

What do you talk about?

Whether we admit it or not, gossip happens all the time. We’re all guilty of it. I’ve even heard people say  “ Now I’m only telling you this, so you can pray for them” as a means to spread gossip. 

It’s not often we take the time to think of the person being talked about…. Or really, if the information we are hearing is true. In the moment, truth isn’t the important thing, gossip is. The juicier the better, right?

In light of recent developments it’s come to my attention that I’ve been the topic of gossip with people. As gossip goes, there’s never a way of really knowing who said what. Where it started. And most importantly – why are people talking about me behind my back? Are we in grade 5 around the sandbox again? Shotgun tonka truck!

I caught myself a few times thinking “I wonder what kind of garbage this person has heard about me” At the end of the day, I take comfort knowing that those who love me, don’t listen to that filth; and would have the gonads to talk to me about “something they heard about me”. 

I challenge you to question the motives behind the next gossip you hear. Maybe even go as far as seek out the truth for yourself. (God forbid)

It could be a friend, an acquaintance, a neighbor, an ex girlfriend, a family member… you’ll never know! But the lesson I’ve come to appreciate is… WHO CARES?

Every evil has it’s fuel. People who speak ill of others have their own insecurity they are hiding behind. Sometimes people say things to boost themselves. Sometimes people say things to pass blame. Sometimes people say things when their feelings are hurt. And sometimes, people are just malicious and evil. (hey, there’s all kinds of people out there)

To the gossipers out there, I’m glad I could be a scapegoat for your feelings of inadequacy. You’re welcome. Maybe seeing the way I live my life bothers you, maybe you’re jealous, maybe you’re so miserable in your own life that you need to smack me down whatever way you can to make yourself feel better. Maybe you just don’t have anything better to talk about. Whatever your reason- Keep doing it, please.

Every time I hear another story about me, or a rumor run wild – it empowers me. It reminds me that only fickle minds discuss people, while great people lift each other up and encourage each other. It also reminds me that a true friend won’t make an opinion of me based on what they’ve heard from others…. And if they will, then those aren’t friends to begin with or the kind of people I want to mingle with.

So as McDonalds would say, BADA BAP BAP BAAAH, I’m Loving it.

This evening a good friend of mine introduced me to a scripture passage I had never come across before and it’s resonating with me big time so I’ll end with that.

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.  People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

2 Timothy 3 1-5: 

How it all started...

Ok, so I caved and got a blog.... you'll love it, I promise.

I've been called many things in my day; Bartender, Photographer, Officer, Server, Counselor, Youth Worker, Landscaper, Lifeguard, General Laborer, Manager, Supervisor, Writer, Intellect, Tall, Best Friend, Enemy, Sarcastic, Nomadic, and Erratic. As time goes on, I've come to not only look kindly on these "labels" but appreciate the gifts and freedom God's given me to do, say and act completely fearless of the future.  From all of these, none has stuck and felt as right at "Real Estate Agent"!!

It was 2008. I was working as The Manager of a group home for kids with Autism. I was dealing with a chaotic world, surrounded by employees with a very low work ethic. In the evenings and on weekend, I was Bartending at an Irish Pub making questionable decisions and rubbing shoulder with the wrong kind of people... Nomadic as I was, I needed a change. I had always had an interest in Real Estate and dreamed of one day owning and flipping my very own house. I signed up for the OREA (Ontario Real Estate Association) Phase 1 course to become an Agent. Looking back, I wasn't "in it". Thinly spread as I was, I wasn't giving the books the attentions they deserved. I bought a home and put the vision of coming an agent to bed for a while.

My First Home!

... a few world travels later, career changes and moves, I wound up in Jail!
(I'll clarify don't get nervous!) I was living in British Columbia, loving life. I had rented out my home and was living the West Coast Dream! I had applied to the RCMP, and failed the entry exam by 0.01%. (Try to imagine how stoked I was to read THAT doozie of a letter) On the bottom of the rejection letter were some suggestions on how to better prepare for the exam, one being  : "get a job in the Justice System " Seemed like a good idea at the time, so I applied to become a Corrections Officer at a Youth Detention Centre.... (hindsight is always 20/20 isn't it?)... 3 weeks later, I was back in Ontario; in Hamilton of all places training to become a Corrections Officer. 5 weeks of training came and went (but not easily) I was fitted for a uniform and thrown into the dragon's den.

In the interest of Self-Preservation, I'll leave the details of this job to a face to face talk if you like.

... The vision and desire to become a Real Estate Agent had never been so rampant. I picked up the Phase 1 book where I had left it 2 years ago, and couldn't put it down. I mauled through the course as quick as humanly possible! Work, Study, Work, Class, Overnight-Shift straight to class, Work, Sleep, Study... repeat. I WAS DONE!

David Ibrahim, Sales Representative @ Century 21 The Heritage Group.

The First Home Office

I hit the ground running!

Month one, I was named Highest Grossing Rookie in the office.
Month two, two sales down.
Month three.... you get the idea!

I found my vocation. Finally a job that combines every aspect of life that I love and i'm great at!

As an agent, I think my job is more than searching the Internet for listings, it's more than being a negotiator and business man.... It's a way of life, my passion. Admittedly still a very new agent, with much to learn; I quickly realized the value in being a good human being! In the Real Estate world, who you are is just as important as what you know. Are you generally of good demeanor? Do you have a positive outlook? Do you love helping people? Do you mind going the extra mile for your client? Will you persevere where most would quit? Love variety in your daily activities? Want to learn a new industry? Want to be your own boss? Do you love taking pictures and being creative? Have a eye for design and marketing? YES YES AND YES!

Months later, a meeting of the minds occurred, my Real Estate Inspiration: Cousin Johnny.
I was working for Century 21, he was working for another company... we joined forces and created was is affectionately known as  iHomes Real Estate.... (ready for the shameless plug?)
Check us out online at;
iHomes Real Estate

 I told you a shameless plug was coming, you should have expected it.  So... now you know the history.
A once nomadic and aimless man become successful Real Estate Agent. Sound like a Simon n Garfunkel tune!


I'm truly Blessed to have found a career that blesses others, gives me the opportunity to learn a new trade, all while being myself and meeting people. Even better is the privilege to work with my family, I really couldn't ask for more.

I hope to keep this blog updated with new properties and listings, events and information on the ever changing real estate market, helpful tips and probably a fair bit of humor to set off the day.
Follow me to the promised land fellow readers! :)

David Ibrahim